Remotely controlled sound recording and reproducing machine



May 8, 1945. H. PVCLAUSEN 2,375,525

REMOTELY CONTROLLED SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUGING' MACHINE Filed Sept. 4, 1942 E E 3 L L Servormfor I n H INVENTOR. Wm I enrg P clausgn.

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Patented May 8, i945 REMOTELY CONTROLLED 80m RECORD- ING AND REPRODUCING MACHINE N a Henry P. Clausen, White Plains, N. Y., assignor to The Gray Manufacturing Company-Hartford, Conn., a corporation of Connecticut Application September 4, 1942, Serial No. 457,356

'30 Claims.

vide a system comprising a dictators station remote with respect to a central recording and reproducing station, and interconnecting controls whereby the full operation of starting, stopping, recording and reproduction may be effectedfrom the dictators station by means of simple controls. Likewise there is provided in this system the control features of back-spacing, forwardspacing, correction-marking, and the like, all

effected from the dictators control station. 4

The many and detailed objects of the invention will be as clearly presented in connection with the detailed description thereof as would be the case if they were outlined generally at the beginning of this disclosure, and for this reason no further reference will be made at this point to the objects of the invention.

This invention resides substantially in the combination, construction, arrangement and relative location of parts,all as will be described in detail below.

In the accompanying drawing. the single figure is a diagrammatic and schematic layout of one embodiment of the invention to be herein disclosed.

In the embodiment disclosed the dictator's control station has been indicated as including the equipment enclosed within the broken line box I. The equipment at the central station 2 comprises the remainder of the figure, while the broken circuit lines indicate the remoteness of the central station from the control station.

At the control station is a combined microphone and loud speaker consisting preferably of an instrument designed to be sumciently efilcient both as a microphone and a loud speaker. This instrument is connected by the circuit wires 4 to the primary of a transformer I at the central station. The secondary of this transformer has one terminal grounded and the other connected through circuit wire I to one of the contacts of each of the fixed pair of switches I and t. In the position of this switch as shown in the drawing, the circuit continues through switch Ito the input of the grounded amplitier 8, which amplifier may be of any form suitable for the purpose such as a: inulti-stage vacuum tube amplifier. The output of the amplifler is connected through switch I and wire ill to the grounded sound recording head it which a marked 8 extends to the S of the.

may be of any suitable form, as for example the magnetic type.

The recording and reproducing machine may be of several diiierent forms but the disclosure herein is made in connection with the type disclosed in United States patent of .Barton and Thiede, No. 2,296,870, granted Sept. 29, 1942. In this machine a flexible sound record blank of cellulose acetate for example is employed. Only so much of such a machine has been illustrated in the drawing of this case as will make possible an, adequate disclosure of this invention. ,As diagrammatically illustrated, the machineincludes a carriage l2 which is mounted for slidingmovement on a pair of guide rods l3. Journaled in the carriage I2 is a vertical spindle it upon the upper end of which is impaled the record blank R so as to be keyed thereto for rotation with it. On the spindle is a worm 15 which meshes with a threaded rod 16 journaled in the carriage l2 for rotation on the axis of the rod while moving axially with the carriage. A fixed nut ll is engageabie with the threads of the rod I6 so that as the rod rotates it, the rod, will move axially carrying'the carriage with it.

The rotation of the threaded rod It is effected through the record blank R by means of a pair of friction driving rollers. Of this pair of rollers of the record blank R. The idler wheel I! is supported so that it may be moved into and out, of engagement with the blank and has been illus-i trated in the drawing as pivotally mounted on the end of a lever and controlled by a magnet 20. when the magnet is energized from the positionishown it causes the roller is to frictionally engage the blank which is held against the rotating wheel l8, with the result that the blank is caused to revolve at a constant circumferential speed. The rotation of the blank, of course, causes the rotation of spindle l4, worm II, and therefore threaded shaft i8. Recording or reproduction begins near the center of the disc and continues along a spiral path of increasing radius outwardly to the periphery of the disc. Thus At this point it may be noted that each wire will be made later. By this method the drawing is simplified by theomission of many unnecessary wires.

One terminal of the solenoid 23 is connected to the power source as indicated, and the other terminal is connected by wire 2| to the midpoint of the primary'of transformer 5. At the control station the talking circuit wires 43 are bridged by a retardation choke coil or resistor 22 whose midpoint is connected by a wire as shown to the.

speaker 3 which may be in the form of a hand set upon which may be mounted the switches 23 and 21. The shifting switch 13 is preferably mounted on the support which may also include thegrounded signal light 42, which is also connected to the circuit wire 43. Of course, the particular arrangement of these switches is immaterial.

current source 4! which is adapted to be grounded .through the power switch 43 to which reference be disengaged from the rod l3.

Circuitwire 43 isconnected by wire 44 t the movable blade of a single-pole double-throw switch 43 forming part of the relay 23. One of the fixed contacts of switch 43 is connected by wire 33 to the movable blade of a single-pole double-throw switch 43, which is part of the relay The lever on which the idler friction roller l3 is mounted is grounded as shown, and is adapted to engage a fixed contact when the machine is in running condition, which contact is connected by wire 23 to a relay magnet 23 whose other terminalreturns to the power source 4|. This magnet may be termed the control magnet. The switche of this relay will be referred to in proper sequence. A relay isprovided having a latching magnet 33 to the wire 33. Relays of this type are well known, and it is sumcient to say that magnet 33 remains energized long enough to efl'ect the closing of switches 23 and 43 and the latching of them in that position. Wire 33 extends to the movable blade of switch 34, which is part of the relay 23. Switch 34 includes two fixed contacts,

the uppermost of which is connected by wire 33 to 33. One of the fixed contacts of switch 43 is connected by wire 41 through an interrupter 43 of any suitable form to a grounded current source 43. The other contact of switch 43 is connected by wire 33 through an interrupter 3| to the grounded source 43. A q

Returning to relay 23 it includes a single-pole switch 32, one terminal of which is grounded and the other terminal of which is connected by wire 3| to asolenoid winding 32, the other terminal of which is connected to the source 4|. The

plunger of the solenoid 32 is adapted to enter between grounded spring contacts 33 to spread them into engagement with a pair of fixed cooperating contacts as shown. The plunger of solenoid 32 is connected to the piston of a dash pct 33 which acts to retard the upward movement of the plunger when the solenoid 32 is energized so that it will take a predetermined period of time, as for example 3 or, 4 minutes for the plunger to rise and close the switch 33. The dash pot and plunger are biased so that upon the energization of'solenoid 32 the plunger will descend immediately, opening switch 33. c 1

One of the fixed contacts of switch 33 is connected by wire 33 to the fixed contact of switch .33 forming part of relay 33} The movableblade of this switch is connected by wire 33 to the upper fixed contact of switch 43 of relay 23.

' Wire 33 is also connected to one terminal'of the the movable blade of switch 33. Switch 33 ineludes two contacts, one of which is connected by wire 31 to the forward spacing relay 33, the other terminal of which is connected t the source 4|.

The relay 33 includes a latch which is constructed to cause a step-by-step movement of the carriage l2 to the left as diagrammatically illustrated for each energization of the relay 33. Devices of this type are known in various forms, and therefore it is diagrammatically illustrated here.

, By stepping the carriage II to the left, which may be termed forward spacing, individual units of recording may be visibly spaced on the record. I

A back spacing relay 33 is provided which is of a construction similar to the relay 33, and has one terminal connected .to the source 4| and the other terminal connected by wire 33' to-the other conto the movable pole of switch 13 and the final I to the source 4|.

shifting magnet 33, the other terminal of which is connected to the source 4|. The magnet 33 is part of an operating device similar to the device 23 and includes a three pointed cam, each of which is adapted to rotate one-sixth of 9. revolution upon each energization of the winding thereof. Devices of this type are also well known and have therefore not been shown in any further detail.

Relay 33 also includes a single-pole doublethrow switch 31 the movable pole of which is rounded. The lower fixed contact of this switch is connected by wire-33 to the fixed contact of switch I3. These switches are controlled by an operator H mounted on the shaft I2 of the servomotor 13. The servo-motor I3 is reversible and has one terminal connected to the source 4|. Another terminal is connected by a wire as shown terminal of the motor is connected by a wire to the fixed contact of switch 13.

- One of the fixed contacts ofswitch 33 a connected by a wire to one terminal of the unlatching magnet 33 whose other terminal is connected This some contact is also connected by wire to a contact finger 3l positioned to be engaged by the grounded contact 33 mounted on the carriage i2. 1

- The lower contact or switch 34 is connected by wire 33 to one terminal ofa m net-of a marking device 34, the other-terminal of which tact of switch 33. Switches 3, land 33 are o'per 1 3 is connected to the source 4|. One of the fixed contacts of switch I is connected by wire 'Il to the grounded reproducing device 18, which may be of any suitable and wellknown form. For emphasis it may again be noted that switches Al, and 29 are operated by the latching magnet ll. Switches 24, I2 and 45 are operated by the control magnet 26. Switches 46,5! and 51 are operated by the shifting magnet II. In the former case the switches are only moved from the position shown to their other. position during energlzation of the ma net 2', but in the latter case the switches are shifted from the position shown to the other position upon energization of the magnet II and remain in that position until the next energization of the m -E ot.

A description of the operation of this system will now be Set forth in detail. It is to be assumed that this system will be used under coning head H can begin to record near the center of the blank. It will be assumed, in view of the disclosure, that the power driving roller ii is v in operation during all periods when it is expected thatthe machine is to be used, although it could be started and stopped as operating conditions require. It is further to be assumed that the apparatus is in the position shown in the drawings which is the recording position, and is the position in which it is always left either by a conscious act of the dictator, or by automatic,

controls to be later described.

If a dictator at the control station I desires to dictate he picks up the transmitter-receiver and momentarily closes the marking switch 21 to complete a, circuit from ground through wire 24,

switch 21, wire 28, make-before-break switch a, latching magnet '30, current source II- to ground, magnet 30 is energized closing switches 2| and 4t pulling up the latch 22 to hold them closed. The circuit for the magnet ll breaks at the end of the latching operation and wire 28 remains connected to wire 33 so that the current flows through wire 33, upper contact switch 34, wire 35, right hand contact of switch 3, wire 81, magnet 88 back to source 4| and through switch 4. to ground. Thus the carriage I2 is forward spaced one step to separate the new dictation which is to follow from any previous recording on the blank R. The closing or switch -4l has also placed current on the shifting magnet It from the source 4| through the .magnet to wire II through the upper contact of switch 4|, wire 44, wire 42 to ground through the signal light 42. It will be seen that this signal light is-in series with the ma net It and is thereplaced upon the solenoid-02 from the source u through the circuit including wire ll, switch l2 to ground. Thus the plunger of solenoid 82 be-, gins its slow ascent. Thus the momentary closingof thefmarking switch 21 has partially preparedthe machineforrecordingandhaslitthe signal lamp 42 to indicate that the dictator may proceed. The dictator may then startthe machine for recording by momentarily closing the start-stop switch 28. However. if he is for any reason so that he does not begin his dictation at the end of three or four minutes the plunger of the dash pot relay '2 will rise to the point where the circuit for the 'unlatching magnet is grounded, as will be apparent, so that the latch is released and switches 28 and 4| opened, returning the apparatus to its original condition and extinguishing the signal light.

However, in order to begin dictation the startstop switch 23 is momentarily closed completing a circuit as follows: from ground through wire 24, switch 23, choke coil 22, circuit wires 4, primary of transformer 5, wire 2|, solenoid 20 and back to the source 4|. This energization of the solenoid 20 causes the cam forming part thereof torotate one-sixth of a revolution, moving friction roller is into engagement with the undersurface of the record blank R. It will be remembered that the friction roller I8 is 'normallyin continuous rotation. Thus the record blank begins to rotate and the carriage i2 to move slowly to the left through the drive previously described.

3 In any commercial machine this linkage system I cording head ii.

The engagement of the grounded arm of roller is with the associated contact completes a circuit for the magnet 28 through the wire 25. The energization ofv magnet 26 closes switch 34 on its lower contact, opens switch I2 and closes switch 45 on its lower contact. This shifting of switch 24 connects the control circuit wire 23 with the marking device I4 through wire". Of course, the marking device does not operate at this time because switchv 21 is.open. The shifting of switch 45 shifts the control wire 44 to wire 'so that the circuit of interrupter 48 is completed as follows: from ground through the source 49, interrupter 42, wire 41," lower contact of switch 48, wire 95, lower contact of switch 4!, wire 44, wire 43 and lamp 42 to ground. 'I'husthe signal lamp 42 at the dictators station will flash at a rate which the dictator knows indicates that the machine is operating for recording.

At this point it may be noted that in a practical structure the reproducer II and the recorder ll may be mounted on a linkage system by means of which they may be alternatively engaged with the record blank R. Thus, as in thearrangement of this kind is diagrammatically il-.

lustrated in the copending application of Hay ward K. Mann, Serial No. 436,975, filed March 31, 1942, for Control means for dictation machines."

may be operated manually, or by means of power control in any suitable manner.

The dictator in speaking sends voice currents from the microphone 8 over the circuitwires 4 to the repeating coil or transformer I. The repeated currents flow between ground and the circuit wire i through the right hand contact of switch 1, through the amplifier-4, theright hand contact of switch 1 and circuit wire 1. to the re- Thus the spoken word is re-- corded. At any time during this recording should the dictator wish to indicate a correction in previously dictated matter, or to make any other relevant note he can apply a mark to the record whichwill give an advance warning to the transcriber of the "approaching instructions. To do this the dictator need merely momentarily close switch 2! to complete a circuit as Dreviouslydescribed to the marking device 54. which marking 1 device may be of any form suitable for-the pure 7 Dose. Onesuitable form is that disclosed in 4 w copending application Serial No. 447,540, flied June 18, 1942, for Remotely controlled dictation 7 system," wherein a plurality of short indentations are applied across the record grooves so that the pick-up stylus during transcription will pro- ;duce a series of warning clicks in the sound rea producer of the transcriber. a

When the dictator completes a particular bit of dictation and passes on to some other subject he will first stop'the machine by momentarily closing switch 23 to again energize the solenoid 20 through the circuit previously described 'to cause the cam to take another step so that the roller i 8 moves away from the blank R. The machine stops and at the same time the circuit to magnet 26 is broken so that its switches reestabthrough the lower contact of switch 45 wire 44,

wire 43 and .lamp 42 to ground.- At this time interrupter i is in circuit which will cause the lish the circuit as shown.- To forward space the.

record blank the dictatorthen closes switch 21 to complete a circuit from ground through wire 24,switch 21, wire 28, switch 23, wire 33, upper contact of switch 34; right hand contact of switch 36, wire 31, solenoid 36, and back to the source 4|. This energization of solenoid 36 causes the pawl and ratchet arrangement to move the carriage 12 to the left one step. Repeated closings of switch 21 will producethe, desired amount of closes switch 48, and closes switch 51 on its upper contact. These three switches are all moved by the cam moving one-sixth of a revolution as previously described. The closingof switch'46 on its upper'contact completes a circuit from ground'through the source 46, interrupter 6|, wire 50, switch 46, wire 85 to the lower contact of switch 45. Completion of this circuit will be described laterp The closing of switch 51 on its upper contact completes a circuitfrom ground through switch 51, wire 14, switch 15 to the servo-motor 13 to energize it in a direction to cause it to rotateuntil arm 1| moves over to open switch 15. 'In the meantime switch 10 has closed, but no circuit is completed.- The movement of the servo-motor 13 has also shifted switches 9, 1 and 36 to the left hand contacts. This movement of switch 9 connects the output of amplifier] to wire 6 and the input to wire l1 of the reproducing head 14. The shifting'of switch 36 is connected by wire 35 to wire 33. The

3 dictator may now back space the machine in a step-by-step movement by repeatedly closing switch 21 to complete'a circuit as follows: from ground through wire 24, switch 21, wire 26,

switch 29, wire 33 through contact of switch 34, wire 35, left hand contact of switch 36, wire 34,

i solenoid 38 and back to the source 4!. Thus the carriage I2 is shifted step-by-step to the right.

During this operation it is preferable to ,have shifted the recording head I I out of contactwith the record blank,- although no serious damage would havebeen done'since the stylus is a smooth jewel. In order to'reproduce this portion of the record the dictator then momentarily closes switch 23 to complete a circuit as'previously described'to the solenoid to move roller ll into engagement with therecord blank. At this time magnet 261s again energized to shift the 'cir-' cuits to theirotherposition, one effect of which is to now, continue the circuit from wire 46 lamp 42 to flash in a manner different from the manner in which it flashes during recording, to indicate to the dictator that the machine is operating for reproduction.

The currents'from the reproducer 18 flow between ground and wife", left hand contact of switch 1, input of amplifier 8, output to left hand contact of switch 9', and wire 6 to what has been termed the secondary of the repeating coil or transcriber 5. A corresponding current is induced in the other winding which flows over the circuit wires 4 to the loud speaker where the dictator may hear it. Any time that the dictator wishes to set the machine he again only momentarily closes switch 23 to again energize the solenoid 20 to effect stopping as previously described.

To shift the machine. back to recording the operator momentarily closes switch 16 to again energize solenoid 56 and thereby shift its switches back to-the position shown. The only new operation to note upon this'shift is that the dosing of switch 51 on its lower contact completes a circuit fromgroundthrough switch 51, wire 69, switch 10 to the other terminal of servo-motor 1 13 to energize itinthe. reverse direction,'caus'-- ing the switches 9, 1 and 36 to shift back to the position shown, and arm 1| to swing back to the position shown until switch 10 opens, when the servo-motor 13'stops.

Reference to the 'dash pot arrangement will now be made to indicate its use. When the machine was first turned on by. momentarily-closing switch 21 it will'be recalled'that the solenoid 62 was energized so that its plunger slowly ascended and at the end of about three minutes if nothing further was done with the machine it would complete a circuit at switch 60 for the magnet 65 to unlatch the latch 32 and permit switch 40 to open, switch 29 to open, and the upper blade thereof engage the associated contact to .prepare the circuit for the magnet 30 for its next operation. However, should the dictator begin to dictate the ascent of the plunger of solenoid 62 would be arrested'immediately upon the opening of switch 52, which it will be recalled occurs at the time the machine is started. If the dictator is distracted or called away and he forgets to stop the machine it will continue to run until the end of the full normal movement of carriage l2, at which time contact 68 will engage contact 61 switch 51 to solenoid 56, and back to the source 4i,

Thus the shift magnet-56 will be energized and its cam operated to open the three associated switches. 13y this arrangement the machine will always'stop of its own accord at recording posi- 4 tion.

In practice-the right hand finger of switch 60 may be made longer than the left hand finger, so that the cir'cuit to wire 59 will be closed sufflciently in advance of the closing of the circuit to magnet. 65 so that the servo-motor will have a chance to complete its r eturnv stroke to record- ,in the art in view of this disclosure.

ing position. However, even if these fingers were of the same length and the servo-motor only partially completed the return stroke, the various cuits controlled by the switches 0, I and 36 for recording.

From the above description of operations it will be apparent that by 'means of the combination disclosed a'sound recording and reproducing machine with all primary adjuncts such as marking devices,forward-spacing and back-spacing devices and the like may be entirely controlled from the dictators station. It is only necessary that the central station attendant replace the record blanks when filled with new blanks and shift the carriage I! to the extreme right to begin recording. The only additional requirement is that the power driven friction drive roller 18 be in motion or placed in motion as "required.

For the purpose of aiding in applying the claims to the disclosure the following language, used heretofore in'the disclosure to some extent, will be used in the claims. Magnet 2| isthe start-stop magnet, and switch 23 is the startstop switch. Magnet 28 and its switches are the control magnet and control switches. Magnet 56 and its switches are the shift control ma net and the shift control switches. Switches 9,- I and 38 are the shift switches. Magnet 38 is the forward-spacing magnet and magnet 3! is the back-spacing magnet. Magnet 54 is the marking magnet. Switch 21 will be called the marking control switch. Switch 1' will be called the shift control switch. It is believed that the other elements have been sumciently identified heretofore. v

From the above description it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the principles and subject matter of this invention may take physical embodiments which are variants of that herein disclosed, which would occur to those skilled I do not, therefore, desire to be strictly limited to the disclosure as given for purposes of illustration, but rather to the scope of the claims granted me.

' What is claimed is:

1. In an electro-acoustic system the combinaticn' including a recording machine having a rotetable record support, a recording head for co- Operating with the record when mounted on said support, driving means for causing relative movement between said support and recording head,

a power circuit for said driving means, .a, control for completing thepower circuit to the said driving means, andmeans energized when the marking control switch is actuated for interrupting the power circuit at thejpoint of partial completion at the end of a predetermined period of time in the event the start-stop switch is not actuated.

3. In an electro-acoustic system the 05mm nation including a recording machine having a rotatable record support, a recording head for cooperatin with the recordwhen mounted on said support, driving means for causing relative movement between said support and recording, head, a power circuit for said driving means, a

control station remote with respect to said recording machine, a microphone, circuits interconnecting themicrophone with the recordin head, a marking control switch at the control.

station for partially completing said power circuit, a start-stop switch atthe control station for completing the power circuit to. the said driving means, and a forward spacing magnet'actuatable by said marking control switch to cause relative forward movement between the support and recording head.

4. In an electro-acoustic system the combination including a recording machinehaving a rotatable record support, a recording'head for cooperating with the record when mounted on said support, driving means for causing relative movement between said support and recording head, a power circuit for said driving means, a

control station remote with respect to. said recording machine, a microphone, circuits inter' connecting the microphone with the recording head, a marking control switch at the control station for partially completing said power cir-' cuit, a start-stop switch at the control station means, a signal lamp atthe control station, and

a circuit'completedby the operation of the marking control switch toindicate that the machine is ready for recording.

station remote with respect to said recordin machine, a microphone, circuits interconnecting the microphone with the recording head, a marking control switch at the control station for partially completing said power circuit, and a startstop switch at the control station 'for complet 1 ing the power circuit to said driving means.

2. In an electro-acoustic, system the combination including a recording machine having a rotatable record support, a recording. head for cooperating with the record when mounted on said support, driving means for causing relative 5. In an electro-acoustic system the combination including a recordingmachine having a rotatable record support. a recording head for cooperating with the record when mounted on said su p rt, driving means for causing relative movement;- between said support and recording means. a signal lamp at the control station. a

movement between said support and recording head, a power circuit for said driving means, a

control station remote with respect to said re-,

cording machine, a microphone, circuits interconnecting the microphone with/the recording 7 head, a marking .control switch at: thecontrol station for partially completing said power circuit, a start-stop switch at the control station circuit completed by the operation of the marking control switch to indicate that the machine is ready for recording, and means energized when the machine is for causing said i al lamp to flash intermittently.

6. In an electro-acoustic machine of the type described the combination including a rotatable recordsupport, a'sound recording head, driving means for causing relative .movement between said support and head, drive control means for'.

controlling the starting and stopping of said driving means-including a start-stop switch, a power circuit for. said drive control means, and a marking control switch for partially completing said power circuit, successive operation of said startstop switch causing successive energization of and stopping of the machine. 7. In an, electro-acoustic machine of the ty described the combination including-a rotatable record support, a sound recording head, driving means for causing relative movement between 'said support and head, drive control means for controlling the starting and stopping of said driving means including a start-stop switch, a power circuit for said drive control means; a marking control switch for partiailycompleting said power circuit, .s ccessive operation of said,

start-stop switch cal sing successive energization of said driving COntI'Ll means to cause the starting and stopping of the machine, and means energized at the time the power circuit is partially completed for again interrupting the power circuit at the end of a predetermined period of time in the event that the machine is not started- 8. In an electro-acoustic machine of the type described the combination including a rotatable record support, a sound recording head, driving means. for causing relative movement between said support and head, drive control means for controlling the starting and stopping of said driving means including a start-stop switch, a power circuit for said drive control means, a marking control switch for partially completing said power circuit, successive operation of said start-stopswitch causing successive energization of said drive control means to. cause the starting and stopping of the machine, a signal lamp, and a power circuit ior said lamp completed when said marking control switch is firstoperated.

9. In an electro-acoustic machine of the type described the combination including arotatable record-'support,'a sound recording head, driving means iorcausing relative movement between said support and head, drive control means for controlling the starting and stopping of said driving means including a start-stop switch, a power circuit for said drive] control means, a marking control switch for partially completing said power circuit, successive operation of said start-stop switch causing successive energization of said drive control means to cause the starting and stopping of the machine, a signal lamp, a

11. In an electro-acoustic machine of the type described thecombination including'a movable record support,.a recording head and a reproducing head" individually engageable with the record on said support, a microphone-loud speaker unit, circuits including an' amplifier and shift switches for alternatively connecting. the recording head to the output of the amplifier and the microphone. loud speaker unit to the input of the amplifier and the reproducer to the input of the amplifier and the microphone loudspeaker to the output of the amplifier, control means for causing the operation of the shift switches, driving means tor the record support,'and a startstop'device for controlling the driving means.

12. In a system iorcontrolling the operation oi a dictation machine including a movable record support, a recording head and a reproducing head, driving 'means for said record support, driving control means including a magnet, a power source, and means including a singl manual for controlling the power source to successively energize said magnet to start and stop said. machine. 13. In a system for controlling the operation of a dictation machine including a movable record support, a recording head and a reproducing head, driving means for said record support,

powercircuit for said lamp completed when said a marking contror switch is first operated, and means energized upon the starting of said machine. for causing intermittent flashing 'of said signal-lamp i l0. In an electro-acoustic machine of the type described the combination including a rotatable record support, a sound recording head, driving means for causing relative movement between said support and head, drive control. means for for controlling the power source to successively energize said driving control means to start and stop said machine, a signal lamp, and means for causing said signal lamp to flash intermittently ,at different rates depending upon the operation of said machine to record or reproduce.

14. In a dictation machine having a driving means, a drive controlmeans, a power circuit for said drive-control means including a relay," means i'or energizing said relay to partially complete said circuit, and means upon successive operations for .completing said circuit to energize the drive control means whereby the driving means is'alternativelyoperative an'd inoperative.

15. In a dictation machine'having a driving means, a, drive control means, a power circuit for said drive control means including a relay, means for energizing said relay to partially complete said circuit, means for completing said circuit by successive operation thereof to operpletion 01' said circuit for interrupting it at the controlling the starting and stopping of said driving means including a start-stop switch, a

power circuit for said .drive control means, a marking control switch for partially completing said power circuit, successive operation or said start-stop switch causing successive energization of said drive control means to cause the starting and stopping of the machine, a signal lamp, a power circuit for said lamp completed when said marking'control switch is first operated, means energized upon the starting of said machine forcausing intermittent flashing of said signal lamp, and means operating automatically in the event that the machine is not turned off to stop the maend oi. a predetermined period of time in the event said driving means remains inactive.

16. In a dictation machine,-a movable record support. driving means for said support, a recording head, a, reproducing head, driving control means, a power circuit for said driving con-' I trol means, a control switch for partially com- .pleting said circuit, shift control means ineluding a single switch for successively renderg ing the recording head and the reproducing head operative upon successive operatives, meansior chine and interrupt the power 'circuit at the end of the relativ movement between said support and recording head.

completing the circuit for said driving controlmeans, and means for controlling said shift controlmeans. Y

'17. In a system forcontrolling the operation of a dictation machine including a movable record support;a recording head, a reproducing head, driving means for said record. support, driving control means, apower circuit, marking control means for preparing said powerci'rcuit.

for completion, start-stop control means for completing the power circuit to said driving control means to start and stop the machine, and means operated by said support at "the end of its stroke for energizing said driving control signal means at the remote point controlled by said' last means to indicate either the recording or the reproducing condition of the machine.

means to stop the machine andto.retum the power circuit to'its original condition.

18. In a system for controlling the operation of a dictation machine including a movable record support, a recording head, a reproducing head, driving means for said record support,

I driving control means, a power circuit, marking energized at will by said marking control means.

19. A system for controlling the operation of a dictation machine, including a movable record support, a recording .head, a reproducing head, said heads being independently engageable with the record on said support, driving means for said record support, driving control means for rendering said driving means operative, a power circuit, marking control means for preparing said power circuit for completion, a forward spacing device for moving said support forwardly. independently of said driving means, and a circuit for said forward spacing device also completed by said marking device.

20. A system for controlling the operation of a dictation machine,.including a movable record support, a recording head, a reproducing head, said heads being independently engageable with the record on said support. driving means for said record support, driving control means for rendering said driving means operative, a p wer circuit, marking control means for preparing said power circuit for completion, a forward spacing device for moving said support forwardly independently of said driving means, a

circuit for said forward spacing device also completed by said marking device, automatic 23. A system for controlling the operation of a dictation machine including a movable record support, a recording head, a reproducing head,.

said heads being independently engageable with a record on said support, means remote withrespect to said machine for starting and stopping it. means at the remote point for rendering either the recording head or the reproducing head'operative, signal means at the remote point controlled by said last'means to indicate either the recording or the reproducing condition of the machine, and means actuated by said support for stopping the machine at the end of the movement of said support.

sound power means for said machine, means for conditioning said power means for controlled operation of said machine and means energized by said last means for returning said power means to its previous condition at the end of a fixed pe: riod of time if the machine is not operated.

25. In an electro-acoustic-machine of the type described means for recordingsound on a permannt record and for reproducing sound therefrom, power means for operating said machine and mean for applying a signal mark-to said record, said last means beirig controlled by said power means whereby a signal mark may be applied during recording and reproduction only.

26. In an electro-acoustic machine of the type described means for reproducing sound from a sound record, power means for operating said machine and means for applying a signal mark to the recordduring reproduction only.

stopping means energized also at the time of the operation of. said marking device for returning said power circuit to normal position at the end of a predetermined period of time if said driving means is not energized, said marking device upon its next second operation energizing said driving control means, and means energized by said driving control means for rendering said automatic stop device inoperative.

21. A system for controlling the operation of adictation machine, including 'a movable record support, a recording head, a reproducing head,

said heads being" independently engageable with a record on said support, a single manual means remote with respect to said machine for starting and stopping it, and a single manual means at the remote point for rendering either the recording head or the reproducing head operative.

22. A system for controlling the operation of a' ative, means for rendering ,the recording head operative whenever the machine is stopped, and

27. In an electro-acoust'ic machine of the type describedmeans for reproducing sound from a sound record. power means for operating said reproducing means, back-spacing means forsaid reproducing means and means controlled with said power means for rendering said.backspacing means operative only during reproduction.

28. In an electro-acoustic machine of the type described the combination including means for recording sound on a record, means for reproducing sound from said record, power driven means,

means for controllingsaid power driven means to condition the machine either for recording or redescribed the combination including means for,

recording sound on a record, means for reproducing sound from said record, power driven means, means for controlling said power driven means to condition the machine either for recording or reproduction and means for conditioning the machine at the end of a predetermined period of time for recording after each use for reproduc-' tion. a

30. In an electr'o-acoustic machine of the type described means'forrecording sound on a perma nent record, means for reproducing sounds from a record, means including a power drive for selectively conditioning either of said first two means to effect recording or reproduction as required and means for automatically conditioning the ma-.

chine for'recording after reproduction while the machine is inoperative. HENRY P. CLAUSEN. 

